By The Informer staff

Colby J. Liston, a 2012 graduate of Derby High School, was seriously injured in a vehicle pedestrian accident in Lawrence early Sunday morning.

Liston, an 18-year-old student at Kansas University, and friends were getting in the back of a 1999 Ford Explorer at about 1:26 a.m. on Sunday. The Explorer was driven by Dustin A. Erickson, 21, of Derby, who stopped to pick up individuals who reportedly had been to a nearby party, according to Sgt. Trent McKinley of the Lawrence Police Department.

Erickson stopped in the right-hand lane of traffic on Tennessee, a one-way street in which vehicles can only travel southbound. McKinley said individuals were entering the rear cargo door of the Explorer and Liston was preparing to enter the vehicle when it was struck from behind by another southbound vehicle.

The southbound 2005 Ford Explorer struck Liston as he was in the street. McKinley said the collision crushed Liston between the vehicles and caused other occupants of Erickson’s Explorer to fall into the street. Those occupants had only minor injuries from the accident.

The accident nearly severed both of Liston’s legs and he has had to have a double amputation below the knee, according to his father, Matt. Colby was taken to the KU Medical Center in Kansas City.

The moving vehicle was driven by Julian M. Kuszmaul, 21, of Lawrence, also a KU student.

Media reports have indicated that many of the witnesses were intoxicated, slowing down the process for accident investigators. McKinley said in a press release today that intoxicants were present in the involved parties and blood test results are pending.

No citations were issued at the scene. Investigators will forward their reports to the Douglas County District Attorney’s office when they are available, McKinley said.

Matt, a Derby police officer, said he had not been aware of what was occurring in the police investigation by the Lawrence department.

"I’m trusting those guys are going to do the job," he said.

He and his wife, Dara, are focused on Colby’s recovery, he said.

"His mom and I are just glad he’s alive," Matt said.

User Comments

• Secretary

  "Colby, we are all praying for you! Hang in there and be strong!"

  Posted by Jane Linn DHS on Aug. 29, 2012

• Prayers

  "Colby, I am so sorry about what has happened to you. I was in an AA meeting when a friend told the story and asked for prayers for you. Rest assured that you are in the thoughts and prayers of many people. I am also praying for the young man who was driving the car that hit you. What a terrible tragedy to be forever on his conscience. Thirty years ago, I could have been that intoxicated driver. I thank God that I never killed or maimed anybody. I know it must be very hard, but please try to forgive him. It will help you to heal your heart. God will help you through this. I realize that right now it is hard to trust Him. It's okay to be mad at God, just not to ignore Him. God bless you. I will continue to pray for you and your family. Janet Smith (Wichita, KS)"

  Posted by Janet Smith on Aug. 28, 2012

• Prayers from a stranger

  "Al prayers to you colby! I dont know you but i hope to god you get better. I believe god will make you better. Get well soon. Sincerelly, David McAlpine "

  Posted by David L. McAlpine on Aug. 28, 2012

• To Colby

  "God speed; Love and Prayers"

  Posted by Donna on Aug. 27, 2012